LENT HELPED ME CUT WEIGHT
For the 2026 Lent celebration, I’m giving up certain foods and habits as a sign of penance and self-control. To find out more about the celebration of Lent, see here. I no longer have my weekly fix of sweets and chocolate. Overall, that’s about 2200 fewer calories over the two days of each weekend. It’s far too many calories to consume in such a short time frame; therefore, Lent is a great opportunity to address overeating habits. When I started Lent, I weighed 10.5 stone (147 lbs), and I’ve lost 1.4 stone (19.6 lbs) so far. I’m shocked by how much I’ve lost.
During the first half of Lent, I also exercised more than usual, making a conscious effort to improve my physical activity. Depending on the weather conditions, I would walk about 3.3 miles to work three times a week, enjoying the fresh air and the change of scenery. Now that I’ve switched to the morning shift, I usually take pleasure in a 1.5-mile walk in the afternoon, which helps me unwind and clear my mind. Additionally, I’ve started doing bodyweight exercises every other day to strengthen my muscles and boost my overall fitness. Admittedly, I’m not yet fully committed to these weight exercises, so I tend to do them less often than I should, but I’m gradually building the habit. Still, it’s a start, and that’s what matters most as I work toward better health.
The second half of Lent didn’t go as planned.
Honestly, the second half was a complete failure on the discipline front. But I’m not letting that derail me. Lent may be over, but my weight-loss journey isn’t. I’m picking up right where I left off and staying committed.
It’s only been a few weeks since Lent ended, and I’m already shocked by how quickly my body has changed. I’m completely fed up with it. It’s only been a few weeks since Lent ended, and I’m already astounded by how quickly my body has changed. I’m completely fed up with sugar and chocolate—what once felt like a delightful treat now just weighs heavy and leaves me feeling uncomfortable. My tolerance has plummeted, and the sugar rush is swiftly followed by a harsh crash that leaves me exhausted, irritable, and filled with regret.
Sugar and chocolate. What used to feel like a simple treat now just feels heavy and unpleasant, a stark reminder of how my relationship with sugar has changed. My tolerance has dropped dramatically, and the sugar rush is swiftly followed by a nasty crash that leaves me feeling drained, sluggish, and regretful about indulgences I once enjoyed without a second thought. This shift has made me more aware of how excessive sugar affects my energy and mood, prompting me to reconsider my habits.
It’s actually a huge silver lining. My body is clearly telling me it doesn’t want that much sugar anymore. I’m going to use this to my advantage and keep building better habits by focusing on eating for healthy sustenance and more balanced choices. Over time, I hope this change will lead to improved physical health but also to a greater appreciation for foods that truly support my well-being and happiness.
Joel 2:13 – "Return to the Lord, your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love."
